Mangosong

I would rather wait. We've been together a while. Been living together almost as long (sort of moved in right away), and I think I would STILL wait. There's just SO many things I want to do first! He's a little bit older, so he's getting a little antsy...

100! Only 50 more to go!

I found Cheap Travel for all sorts of travel sized items to put in the OOT bags.

@@palmtree99 I found on amazon, but you have to buy in a case. I also found at Bed Bath and Beyond and Cheap Travel

@Noeliab One of my best friends used it for her wedding. She got her STDs from them originally and she raves about them. She was able to stack a coupon or two and than on top of that got a bunch of free stuff. She also got free stuff when she ordered her invites from there. She did not do STD magnets, but those came for free with her STD order. They were very simple, no custom design, but nice. I believe she got a free canvas bag, a mug. Also two signs for parking... I think like bride and groom parking. I forget what else. The downside? They messed up on her STDs, twice - which they did, for free. I think they also did a mistake on the invites too. Shipping took way longer than expected. Sort of a headache.

@@jeffandrobyn Very nice! I don't know I would put the CD in. It's nice, but most people I know use ipods/iphones these days. But I really like the idea of the jelly!

I don't really burn, but I don't tan really either. BUT, just in case, I'll be going heavy on the sun screen and I'm thinking of looking into a strapless bathing suit, but I'll need some serious underwire. Murphy's law... somehow I will end up with them otherwise.

@@gatortot That is so cute! Especially love the luggage tags!

I don't think they are all that necessary, but I think they are really nice to have. I'm not the biggest fan of pictures of myself, but I do really love the formal/professional pictures we have taken. I think in general, they are nice to have.

@ One of my BFFs did that. I think it's a really good idea. Everyone got to see the cake cutting.

@@TheBHolders I think a meet and greet sounds like a fabulous idea. I wouldn't invite the your mom, stepmom, aunt or MIL, only because you want the girls to get to know one another and they might be more shy and less outgoing if the "parental type units" are there. I think just casual and relaxed will be fine. Less pressure on you, less pressure on them. I don't know that you need games, maybe something as a back up (maybe an impromptu dance party), just in case. But sangria sounds wonderful!

@@michellemanoogian I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Could it be that she's jealous or envious? I think the best way to avoid drama is not to demote her (it'll just create more drama than it's worth for you), but just to promote your SIL to your matron of honor.

@@lydiasusi I know the opportunity for a photo op is just about the last thing on their minds. I know that's not why they are upset or disappointed.

@@beckys98 Ooo! What a good idea! I love the steel drum idea! Can't wait to hear how it turns out!

I feel like I should follow this thread. My travel agent recommended Dreams (and the Westin and Rui), so reading about it here, and another thread (though can't seem to find it), but I'm nervous for the resort's lack of communication.

@@beckys98 You still walk down the aisle! The groom and I don't see each other yet, but we do mingle. He's in a separate room/area with the men (women can visit him as well, but it's usually a bro show). Meanwhile, the bride is sitting in a chair (veil not down yet), think throne-like, and everyone comes to her. Says hey, etc. Guests are eating and drinking during all of this. Then the "bro show" walks (more like dancing) the groom in to where the bride is. Groom puts the veil over her face and the "bro show" takes him outside. The guests go into the ceremony area, gets themselves settled, etc. Then, groomsman walk. Then groom (usually with both parents). Then bridesmaids. Then Bride (also with both parents). My SO was so against this whole notion of cocktail hour first... until I took him to a wedding. He LOVED it. Then we went to a catholic wedding, with a full mass. The bride was an hour and half late to the ceremony. He decided right then and there we HAD to do it with cocktail first. I think there are definitely ways for you to do cocktail hour first, and then the ceremony. I think it's nice, because you get some food in you first. If I can help in any way, let me know!

@ Congrats! That is so awesome! I'm dying to go to Istanbul!

@@ladyp77 Congrats on your engagement!

@@christinerenee7 Congrats on your wedding! And hope your waxing went well! @@Csonnel That is why I do laser. LOVE! And my legs are SO smooth.

@@Ady Hi! Congrats and welcome!

@@nadiakat17 Maybe she just thought you two would be more comfortable to be alone on your wedding night. In case there is buisness to take care of.

@@palmtree99 I'm not doing a cruise, but I really like that idea!

@@Lia33 We will definitely skipping the bouquet and garter toss. Not my thing. Not sure about the dances. I fee like my father would love to do it (he loves to dance), but SO's mother died ten years ago. He's close with his aunt, but I don't know he'd want to dance with her. Also, (traditionally for my family/culture), we do cocktail hour first, then the ceremony, and then the reception. So, I want to do this, but not sure if it's going to work out. I kind of want to skip the speeches too... we'll see.

@@palmtree99 I would not invite people to the wedding. It can come off as gift grabby - even though that's not your intention. If you are doing an AHR, I think a shower is fine though. I'm kind of freaking out about the whole shower thing. I really dislike being the center of attention. Having people watch me unwrap gifts? I'm already having a nervous breakdown. Hah hah.

@@KAT2015 I hink my besties would still come get ready with me. Actually, I know they would. So, I'm not so concerned about that. I was super concerned about them having hurt feelings, but after a heart to heart on vacation with one of my besties (after I started this thread), she realized my concern for all of them. But she basically said, they would make it work. So... still up in the air. I got some time.